Certain traits, such as having a competitive character, being restless, and getting bored easily

Symptoms

Symptoms of compulsive gambling may include:

Gambling longer than you intended to

Taking time from work or family life to gamble

Feeling guilty after gambling

Lying to hide gambling

Not being able to sleep due to thoughts about gambling

Having financial problems due to gambling, such as:

Spending all of your money on gambling

Needing to borrow money for gambling

Trying to earn money through gambling to pay your bills

Being involved in illegal activities to get money for gambling

Trying to quit gambling but not being able to

Feeling depressed or suicidal due to gambling

Diagnosis

You may be referred to a mental health therapist. The therapist will ask about your:

Medical history

Mental health history

Symptoms

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Therapy

Counseling for compulsive gambling may include
cognitive-behavioral therapy. This type of therapy can help you learn to correct the negative thoughts and beliefs that lead you to gamble, find healthier responses to stress, develop social skills, and prevent relapse. Therapy can also help uncover what led you to compulsively gamble.

Medications

There is some evidence that people who compulsively gamble may benefit from medications, such as:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Mood stabilizers

Opioid antagonists

Antidepressants

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent compulsive gambling. But if you have a problem with impulse control, avoiding situations where there is gambling may prevent you from developing a problem.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.